By Kevin Phillips

7th May, 2022 | 8:00am

Leeds United news: Pundit 'sure' on Patrick Bamford comeback amid 'massive' claim

Kevin Phillips has insisted Leeds United won’t be “hanging their hat” on a potential injury return for Patrick Bamford this season.

The former Sunderland striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed Jesse Marsch will be “massively cautious and careful” with the Whites having their “fingers burnt” by the 28-year-old’s injury woes this term.

Bamford has endured several fitness problems this term which have seen him turn out just nine times for Leeds United across all competitions.

The England international has been sidelined since mid-March after rupturing his plantar fascia.

As quoted by Leeds Live (28 April), Marsch revealed Bamford was set to take to the training pitch this week ahead of a potential return for the Whites’ last two games of the season.

Leeds United sit just two points clear of the relegation zone.

Phillips urged the Thorp Arch staff to manage the former Chelsea man properly.

“You can’t be putting him in a position where you’re hanging your hat on him coming back,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.

“He could very easily break down again and then you’re back to square one for pre-season and the summer.

“I’m sure Jesse Marsch will be massively cautious and careful, and the sports science and physio teams will be keeping a very close eye on any progress before signing off on him coming back.

“If they’re in a situation with the threat of relegation where they need to play him then they could take that risk.

“But they’ve had their fingers burnt a few times with him this season.

“I think they’ve got to manage it properly, and I’m sure they will. The player’s welfare has to be the most important thing, especially after the season he’s had.”

In other news, Leeds United icon delivers Marsch verdict after “weird” development.